"We see it as energy independence. We see it as energy security," he said.

Being the first post to ever come off an energy grid, may translate into job security too.

Another round of military cuts will be announced as soon as this summer and Fort Knox could shrink by as much as 4,100 jobs.

"We would hope that goes into consideration," Dyrdek said of the energy project.

If not the effort, the Army may consider the savings. The natural gas facility can save $8 million a year in electricity, Dyrdek explained.

But that's not all. How about 10,000 solar panels? There are also 6,000 geothermal wells on post, saving $10 million a year.

The energy investments are everywhere.

A nearby pond provides the air conditioning for an entire data center behind it. Its savings - $120,000 a year.

A Pentagon official wouldn't commit when asked if this would help secure jobs.

"It has an impact, that impact is balanced against all the other needs of the Army," the Army's Force Management Deputy Director John McLaurin said.

Dyrdek says Fort Knox started this trend and now other posts are following along. He hopes that will count when the Army comes up with its number of cuts.

"The Army can sit back and say Fort Knox is doing a good job," he said.

Many of the alternative energy sources are paying for themselves and did not require any tax-payer funds, Dyrdek explained. The solar panels, for example were installed by a private company that will turn the ownership over to the post in 20 years.

The post will continue to use some power from LG&E, but at a lower demand. They say they will never be out of power again.